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The program is designed to prepare men and women to become
nurses at the associate degree level. The curriculum includes a
balance of general education and nursing courses to provide a sound
theoretical base for nursing practice. Clinical experiences are
concurrent with the theory component during the four semesters.
Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
and will meet the requirements of the State Board of Nursing to
apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for
Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RNŽ). The Associate Degree Nursing Program
is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting
Commission (NLNAC) 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 and the
Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning, Board of Trustees
(IHL).
PHILOSOPHY
The Associate Degree Nursing Program of East Central Community
College functions within the philosophical and administrative
structure of the parent institution. The program of instruction is
designed to incorporate knowledge and skills applicable to life in a
complex society and focusing on the educational and health care
needs of rural Mississippi. In keeping with the philosophical
tenets, the faculty offers the following statements concerning our
beliefs.
HUMANS
The faculty believes that humans are unique, holistic and
dynamic beings with physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental and spiritual needs. We believe humans are
fundamentally creative, resourceful, adaptive, and caring in
nature. Individuals have spiritual-social-ethnical values and
beliefs, which contribute to the perception of self, others, and the
community. Humans have the right to make decisions and are
responsible for those decisions. Individuals seek to meet human
needs, which range from the most basic physical needs to self
actualization. Individuals seek to belong to some social group
where interaction and nurturing can occur.
ENVIRONMENT
The faculty define environment as the aggregate of all internal
and external elements interacting and influencing the individual and
the community. We believe that society is a component of
environment. Society is composed of interdependent individuals,
groups, and cultures in which there are shared values and respect
for differing values. Society's mission is to ensure survival
through problem-solving applications, which may be facilitated
through adequate care and educational preparation available to all
humans regardless of their cultural diversity.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge is dynamic with common underlying principles and
theories that constitute past and present learning. It provides the
basis to plan for the future and make wise decisions in order to
adapt to the environment.
LEARNING
Learning occurs as a result of experiences, which may be
physiological, psychological, sociological, an/or philosophical in
nature. Learning is individual. It is an active and progressive
process which usually results in changed behavior. We believe the
learning process is enhanced by a positive self-concept and
facilitated by the individual's potentials. An open, accepting,
caring environment facilitates learning which enables the individual
to think critically, identify problems, and evaluate information
objectively.
HEALTH
We believe that health is a process of adaptive change within
the life cycle. Health is relative in nature and the value of
health is individually defined. Health is an individual's own
perception of wellness. How the individual perceives his own
wellness may be an indicator of his perception of his illness and
the need for intervention by other individuals.
NURSING
The discipline of nursing may be defined as the diagnosing and
treatment of human responses to health and illness. Nursing is
provided in a caring and compassionate manner within practice
guidelines utilizing knowledge from biological and social sciences.
A context of caring is utilized by nurses in assisting clients in
meeting their basic and complex health needs. Nursing facilitates
optimal health and wellness throughout the life cycle.
It is the responsibility of nursing to provide collaborative
care to all individuals, assisting them to reach the fullest
potential through all development stages of the wellness-illness
continuum. The associate degree nurse is prepared to provide and
manage care for individuals and groups in a variety of health care
settings.
In summary, we believe that associate degree nursing
educational experiences will prepare students to function in the
various roles of the registered nurse in an ever-changing
environment. The functions of the registered nurse will change as
health needs change and scientific knowledge expands. The faculty
believes that our mission is to provide optimal learning experiences
to produce a graduate nurse who utilizes knowledge, creativity,
experience, and reasoning that is goal directed and purposeful.
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